Heavy-Duty Tires for Pickup Trucks: 4 Budget-Friendly Options
Pickup trucks are versatile vehicles that often handle more than just daily commutes. Whether you’re hauling heavy cargo, towing trailers, or navigating rough terrain, your truck’s performance and safety rely heavily on the right tires. For pickups that see heavy use, standard passenger or light-duty all-season tires aren’t sufficient.
What to Look for in Heavy-Duty Tires
For pickup trucks, you’ll want to focus on LT (Light Truck) class tires. These tires are designed to be more rugged, with reinforced sidewalls and thicker layers or plies that allow for higher PSI capacity. Heavy-duty tires are often 10-ply (Load Range E), making them better suited for rough road conditions and capable of handling extra weight and towing jobs.
While heavy-duty tires are more expensive than standard passenger tires, some brands offer affordable options without compromising on durability and reliability. Based on user feedback, we’ve identified four heavy-duty budget tire brands perfect for pickup trucks.
1. Cooper Tires
Cooper Tires, owned by Goodyear, offers a range of LT options for trucks. The Cooper Discoverer All-Terrain LT265/70R17 123S All-Terrain Tire boasts a carrying capacity of over 3,400 pounds and has an excellent 4.6 out of 5 customer score on Walmart’s website, based on over 5,700 user ratings. Users praise Cooper’s LT tires for their longevity, with one verified purchaser noting they got roughly 55,000 miles out of their previous set with tread still remaining.
2. Nexen Tire
Nexen Tire Corporation, founded in Korea in 1942, offers affordable heavy-duty light truck tires. Consumer Reports included Nexen on its list of “best tire brands of 2025” after rigorous testing. Users on Reddit praise Nexen tires for their performance in snowy climates and overall value.
3. Ironman Tires
Ironman Tires, owned by Hercules Tire & Rubber Company, is a budget-friendly option for drivers. The Ironman All Country M/T LT245/75R17 121/118Q E has a 4.5 out of 5 customer score on Amazon, based on over 300 reviews. Users praise Ironman tires for their performance in muddy conditions and longevity.
4. Falken Tires
Falken Tires, a Japan-based company, offers a range of tires for larger vehicles. While not always the cheapest, Falken tires can be found at competitive prices. The Falken Wildpeak H/T02 All Season 225/75R16 108T XL Light Truck Tire is available on Walmart for $133. Reddit users praise Falken tires for their smooth ride and handling.
Evaluation Criteria
To compile this list, we considered tire brands that sell light-truck tires for under $200. Factors evaluated included traction, noise level, longevity, handling, and overall quality. Customer reviews from major retailers and feedback on Subreddits like r/Tires were referenced, along with Consumer Reports’ ratings.
By focusing on user feedback and real-world performance, we’ve identified four heavy-duty budget tire brands that offer a balance of quality and affordability for pickup truck owners.
